CHICAGO -- Michigan State's vaunted defense includes many star players who are getting preseason hype, but a couple of the Spartans think it's defensive tackle Anthony Rashad White who is quietly on the verge of a breakout season.

White, the senior from Battle Creek, for now is more known for blocking a field goal on the final play of the Outback Bowl to beat Georgia in overtime.

Now he'll be expected to start full-time on a defensive line missing Jerel Worthy, and following spring practice, he put on 10 pounds and is now listed at 6-foot-2, 330 pounds.

Said linebacker Max Bullough: "That's actually who I was going to say. He's a tremendous football player for us."

White had 25 tackles, including four for losses as a junior. His big blocked field goal could be the start of something more.

"That was kind of a sign of things to come when he did that," Norman said. "I look forward to playing behind him. I’ve seen how good he is."Email Diamond Leung at dleung@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/diamond83.